If behaviour support is being discussed, ask what the person wants help with and who will work with them. Positive Behaviour Support should involve understanding the person and the circumstances around distress or behaviour, rather than simply trying to make someone comply.
This guide is a starting point for questions. It is not a behaviour support plan or advice about an individual situation.
Check the practitioner’s role
Ask about the practitioner’s suitability, relevant experience and how they will involve the person. Specialist behaviour support and implementing an agreed plan have different responsibilities.
A general support worker should not write or change a specialist behaviour support plan outside their role.
Be involved in the process
Ask how communication, preferences, health considerations and daily settings will be understood. Discuss who the person wants involved and what information can be shared.
A plan should be explained in a way the person and the people implementing it can use. Ask how workers receive preparation and how the approach is reviewed.
Ask directly about restrictive practices
Restrictive practices have specific safeguards, reporting and authorisation requirements. Consent alone is not a substitute for those requirements.
The NDIS Commission behaviour support guidance explains the regulated practices and the focus on reducing and eliminating their use.
If a restriction is proposed or already being used, ask which requirements apply, who is responsible and how the person can raise a concern. Seek appropriate specialist advice rather than relying on a general website article.
Check funding and service arrangements
Ask which support is funded, what the practitioner charges and how implementation will work with other services. A plan goal does not automatically approve a particular service or practice.
For questions about an individual plan, contact the relevant behaviour support practitioner. For provider or worker safety concerns, use the Commission’s reporting route.
